Ice formed overnight, while some outbreaks of sleet, snow and rain will continue into tomorrow morning.

The warning said “A cold north to northwesterly airstream will maintain the risk of wintry showers through Friday night and Saturday morning. However, amounts of snow are likely to be very variable with some places remaining dry altogether.”

It added: “Ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces especially where showers of sleet, snow and hail occur. 2 to 4cm of snow may affect low lying areas of Scotland, with 5 to 10cm over higher ground. Elsewhere, 1 to 2cm is locally possible.”

A previous snow warning for Saturday has now been lifted.

Met Office

This is the Level 3 severe cold warning that lasts until Sunday evening

The yellow ‘be aware’ warning covered the south west of England as well as parts of Wales, Northern Ireland and the west coast of Scotland.

The alert said: “Showers of snow, sleet and hail will continue, particularly through the first part of Friday. 2 to 4 cm of snow may affect some low lying areas while high ground may see locally 5 to 10 cm. Ice is also likely to affect untreated surfaces.

“A combination of snow and ice may lead to the risk of disruption with difficult driving conditions and expect longer journey times.

“A cold north to northwesterly airstream will keep the risk of wintry weather going through Friday. However, amounts of snow are likely to be very variable with some places missing it altogether.”